IN India OCI Passport (2x2 inch, 51x51mm, 200x200 to 1500x1500 pixels) Application: Photo Guidelines (Step-by-Step)

Requirements

• Photo dimensions: 2×2 inches (51×51 mm) with the head centrally framed
• Pixel size: between 200×200 and 1500×1500 pixels for digital uploads
• Resolution and format: minimum 600 dpi, color JPEG or PNG without compression artifacts
• Background: plain white or off-white, evenly lit with no shadows or patterns
• Head position: full frontal view, head centered and level, no tilt or turn
• Head size and placement: crown-to-chin height ~25–35 mm occupying 50–60% of image, eyes 28–35 mm from bottom edge
• Facial expression: neutral (no smile), mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible
• Glasses and eyewear: avoid if possible; if worn remove glare, no tinted lenses, frames must not obscure eyes
• Head coverings: only for religious reasons, must not cast shadows or hide facial features
• Recent photo: taken within the last 6 months reflecting current appearance
• Lighting and exposure: uniform lighting, no flash reflections, no red-eye, correct contrast and color balance
• Photo quality: sharp focus, no ink marks, creases, tears or digital alterations

Step-by-Step Process

• First step: Photograph capture: Position the applicant facing the camera with a neutral expression, mouth closed and eyes open, ensuring the head and shoulders are fully visible and centered in the frame.
• Second step: Background & lighting: Use a plain white or light‐off‐white background with even, shadow‐free lighting from the front to avoid reflections or shadows on the face and background.
• Third step: Head size & composition: Frame the shot so the head (from chin to crown) measures between 35–40 mm vertically and occupies 50–70% of the photo height, with eyes positioned 28–35 mm from the bottom edge.
• Fourth step: Image dimensions: Capture or crop the digital image to exactly 2×2 inches (51×51 mm) and save at a resolution between 200×200 and 1500×1500 pixels, with a minimum of 300 dpi for clarity.
• Fifth step: File format & color profile: Save the photo as a high‐quality JPEG (.jpg) file, use sRGB or ICC‐compliant color profile, avoid compression artifacts, and ensure file size does not exceed 1 MB.
• Sixth step: Appearance & attire: Wear everyday clothes without uniforms or camouflage, remove hats and head coverings unless for religious reasons (ensure full face visibility), and avoid glasses or tinted lenses.
• Seventh step: Quality check & adjustments: Verify no red‐eye, no retouching or filters, natural skin tones, and sharp focus; only crop or resize—do not digitally enhance facial features.
• Eighth step: Print & submission: If printing, use high‐quality glossy or matte photo paper with no borders; if uploading digitally, preview the image in the OCI portal to confirm proper alignment, size, and file specifications before final submission.

Tips and Best Practices

• Accurate dimensions: crop your photo to exactly 2×2 inches (51×51 mm) at 200×200–1500×1500 px to meet OCI specs and prevent size-based rejection
• Neutral background: use a plain white or off-white backdrop without patterns or shadows to comply with India’s strict background requirements
• Even lighting: illuminate your face uniformly without shadows or hotspots to ensure facial features are clear and avoid biometric scan failures
• Proper head positioning: center your head with eyes 50–70% up from the bottom of the frame and maintain a neutral expression to align with biometric guidelines
• No glasses or accessories: remove eyeglasses, headphones, and non-religious headgear to provide an unobstructed view of your face and prevent photo rejection

Conclusion

In summary, meeting India OCI passport photo requirements is critical to avoid application delays or rejections. Key points to remember:

• Size: 2×2 inches (51×51 mm) printed; digital 200×200 to 1500×1500 pixels
• Background: plain white or off-white, no shadows, patterns, or textures
• Composition: face front-facing, neutral expression, eyes open, head centered, occupying ~60–70% of frame
• Quality: high resolution, true-to-life color, even lighting, no over/under-exposure, no filters or retouching
• Attire & accessories: no hats or headgear (except for religious purposes), no glasses or jewelry obscuring facial features
• File specs: JPEG format, uncompressed, within prescribed file-size limits
• Currency & compliance: use a photo taken within the last 6 months and adhere strictly to all guidelines

Following these steps ensures your OCI passport photo meets official standards and helps your application proceed smoothly.